State & Local Tax

Overview

Dykema provides exceptional representation on state and local tax (SALT) issues to business entities and high net worth individuals. Our full complement of SALT services includes tax planning, audit defense and administrative appeals and litigation related to state income, franchise, sales and use taxes, and real property and personal property taxes.

State and Local Tax Planning

By developing solutions to our clients’ state and local tax concerns, we are able to help them effectively manage their tax liabilities. We monitor the evolving tax landscape in order to identify new opportunities and incentives for tax reduction or deferral for our clients. Our team provides tax-efficient transactional guidance for clients structuring joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions, as well as for clients establishing, buying, selling, restructuring or liquidating businesses. Our planning services include:

  • Obtaining private letter rulings and other forms of state administrative guidance
  • Conducting comprehensive tax planning for multi-state taxpayers
  • Evaluating tax-free reorganization options
  • Obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status for tax-exempt organizations
  • Drafting and monitoring proposed tax legislation
  • Obtaining state and local tax and investment incentives

State and Local Tax Audit Defense and Administrative Appeals

Our deep experience and detailed knowledge of state and local tax laws and policies enables us to provide clients with strategically sound defense in audits and administrative appeals. Our attorneys are well-informed on regulatory and legislative changes, which assists us in our efforts to resolve tax disputes at the lowest level possible in a timely and effective manner.

State and Local Tax Litigation

Dykema has built a substantial track record in successfully negotiating, settling and–when necessary–bringing state and local tax controversies to trial. Dykema’s litigation clients include Fortune-ranked companies, small businesses and charitable institutions. We handle tax litigation in multiple state courts and administrative tribunals, including the Michigan Tax Tribunal and other state administrative agencies. We also regularly handle administrative appeals at the Michigan State Tax Commission. We have also favorably resolved tax appeals in a number of states, including Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Texas.

Speaking Engagements

  • Presenter and Panelist, COST Midwest Regional Tax Seminar, Ann Arbor, Michigan
    August 22, 2014
  • State Tax Controversies, A View from Many Angles, 26th Annual Tax Conference, Institute of Continuing Legal Education
    May 23, 2013